Sport

Ex-Saint Chambers tipped for England success

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal defender and ex-Saint Calum Chambers possesses the character to succeed at international football following his call-up by England.

Chambers has made only three starts since his £16m transfer from Southampton last month, yet has already caught the eye of Three Lions coach Roy Hodgson.

The 19-year-old could make his England debut in next Wednesday’s friendly against Norway, which is followed by a Euro 2016 qualifier away to Switzerland on September 8, and Wenger has no misgivings over his inexperience, although he hopes Hodgson treats him with care.

''I believe Chambers has the quality to be where he is,'' the Arsenal boss said.

''The only danger is psychological - that he's under too much pressure, that it comes too quick.

''He's only played (started) three games and is in the national team. Of course that's the speedy way.

''I'm not negative about it, because at Arsenal we have the example of Theo Walcott, who handled that very well. Jack Wilshere was very quick as well.

''Calum is equipped mentally to deal with that. He has the character to deal with the pressure and the attention he will get.

''He's a kind boy and has a good family environment. I hope in the national team he'll be protected a little bit as well.''

Chambers was signed as a right-back who can play in the centre of defence, but his trio of starts have been in the heart of Arsenal's back four.

Wenger believes he could also become a defensive midfielder, but stresses that high-quality centre-backs are more precious.

''Chambers has the potential to do it (be a defensive midfielder). He has the vision and ability,'' Wenger said.

''He has a big engine and can absorb the effort that is demanded in there.

''But he can also become a very good centre-back and it's very difficult to find that quality of centre-back today.''

Comments (2)

Fair play to the boy. Left us for a bigger club and got his deserved call up. This sounds bad but I hope clyde gets his move next year to the 10-12 teams better than us so he can get his call up!

Saints and The Cherries

Fair play to the boy. Left us for a bigger club and got his deserved call up. This sounds bad but I hope clyde gets his move next year to the 10-12 teams better than us so he can get his call up!
Saints and The CherriesTruthTellerTomIV